holy land trust,Zen Peacemakers Affiliate
Seasons of Renewal: A Future Built on Hope and Resilience “You are not what you dream of, but what you do. So rise and walk. You are not alone.” – Mahmoud Darwish As Easter approaches, we reflect on a season of renewal, resilience, and the triumph of hope over despair. For the people of Bethlehem, this time of year holds a special significance—it is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light. However, for many families here, the light is often dimmed by the weight of ongoing hardships: the war in Gaza, the economic challenges, and the loss of tourism that Bethlehem has long depended on. Yet in these challenges, we also see resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to creating a better future. At Holy Land Trust (HLT), we are dedicated to standing with the community during these difficult times. Through our programs and initiatives, we are working to transform trauma into hope—especially for the younger generation. We believe that by giving youth the tools to heal and empowering them with knowledge, creativity, and leadership skills, we can help them break the cycle of trauma and build a brighter future for Bethlehem. As we move through Easter, we are reminded of the profound power of community, compassion, and storytelling in shaping a more hopeful world. It is through sharing our stories that we can connect, heal, and inspire one another to rise above despair, reclaim our voices, and imagine a future rooted in dignity and justice. In a time marked by ongoing conflict and uncertainty, the simple act of listening and bearing witness becomes a form of resistance—a way to transform trauma into strength, and isolation into solidarity.Through the work of Holy Land Trust, we continue to create safe spaces where stories are not only told, but honored—where young people are empowered to speak their truth, explore their identity, and take ownership of their …
…journey toward hope. [
](https://r.mail.holylandtrust.org/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0noFVDv6QuhqWigDfW/RJlltH4E7-4V) Generation to Generation – Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders*4th Training Session05.04.2025 One of our key initiatives in this effort is the Generation to Generation* program, which brings together young Palestinians from different backgrounds to explore identity, belonging, conflict, and connection.In our 4th training session, 17 students from Bethlehem University engaged in meaningful conversations and interactive activities designed to foster understanding, self-awareness, and active listening. [
—allowing students to explore the layers of struggle and resilience* that define their daily lives. As part of this, we introduced listening exercises*, training students in the art of deep, empathetic listening*, a core skill for leadership and peacebuilding. The second activity, titled “Choosing an Identity: What is my identity?”*, invited students to reflect on their personal and collective identities. Each group selected aspects of identity that resonated with them, leading to a thoughtful discussion on how identity is shaped by lived experience, history, and the current reality*. The session concluded with an evaluation and group reflection*, where students shared insights, challenges, and personal stories—highlighting the power of storytelling and listening in building emotional resilience and solidarity*.*
…d Holy Land Trust’s transformative mission to guide Palestinian communities from trauma toward resilience and hope, despite ongoing hardships. Targeted at American and international audiences, the event sought to challenge dominant narratives that often marginalize Palestinian voices. It called on listeners to engage meaningfully with the lived experiences of Palestinians, especially within the broader context of peacebuilding and justice.